The fast ending version of "The Golden Breed" was initially recorded by an actual band, The Riptides. The album version features only their vocalist, Phil Kasper, who recorded over a backtrack Mike Curb already had.

Neither Davie Allan nor The Riptides got credit, which was instead assigned to the fictitious Back-Wash Rhythm Band. The Riptides were filmed at the beach in Malibu for the movie, but those scenes were not used.

Picks: Hawaiian Circus, In The Curl, What Turns You On, Golden Time, High Rise, Waimea Bay, SurferÕs Paradise

Track by Track Review

Hawaiian Circus

Surf (Instrumental)

Caribbean style vibes and muted surf guitar play with a horn section in a fun up tempo number with a very pleasant sound and melody. The guitar verse is not surf guitar. It's a rather interesting amalgam of styles, more inventive than many such sessions.

In The Curl

Surf (Instrumental)

Bongos dominate, with rhythm section pretty far back. Some verses feature surf guitar in the lead. It's a blend of the real thing and Mike Curb's studio fantasies. There's a tuff bass glissando, and some very tasteful surf guitar licks.

What Turns You On

Surf (Instrumental)

The instrumental version of "What Turns You On" is a rich surf instro with loud echo and reverb sustained lead guitar and pulsing muted surf guitar rhythms. The beat and backtrack are otherwise typical studio style. I don't know who played guitar, but tonally it sounds like Billy Strange.

Golden Time

Surf (Instrumental)

Horn lead drives this optimistic and better than average studio session. It's clearly intended for a film score, but it's really pretty solid. The back track sounds a lot like it might be The Wrecking Crew.

Coral Below

Surf (Instrumental)

Loud and intense surf guitar, sounding like it might be Billy Strange, drives this track. The melody is OK, but the backtrack is very not-surf!

High Rise

Surf (Instrumental)

"High Rise" is a marvelous stereo master of "War Path," Davie Allan's first single on Cude. It is an Indian styled surf tune of unusual brilliance. It has a great melody, and a great sound. A totally infectious single! The first of four versions of this tune, this being pretty dry, with nice string bending, and great damped picking transitions. I find this to be one of Davie's prettiest tunes, and this track is VERY nice. About a hundred stars, I say!

Over The Falls

Surf (Instrumental)

Horns and a light hearted guitar melody with a straight studio backtrack deliver a very pleasant sound. It's clearly a construction for the purpose of the film, but it's also nicely done.

Waimea Bay

Surf Jazz (Instrumental)

"Waimea Bay" features piano lead and a jazz backtrack with an easy charm. While not particularly original, or even too far beyond a jam, the tremolo electric piano is very hard not to like. The hand clap rhythm is very period.

SurferÕs Paradise

Surf Fuzz (Instrumental)

Arranged as if it was a surf instro, this take on "SurferÕs Paradise" is different from the version on The Cycle Breed. Melodic and very engaging, with surf rhythms and lead guitar. This really grows on you. Great for the open road!